Communication Consultant

Result of Service As an active CITES Secretariat team member, efficient, timely, responsive, client-friendly and high-quality support rendered to the CITES Secretariat and its beneficiaries in the accomplishment of her/his functions, including: - Regular press releases, news items, and other communications materials are published; - Communication and liaison with other UN press officers is maintained; - Communication and liaison with communication officers from biodiversity-MEAs and UNEP are maintained’ Timely delivery of speeches, talking points and briefing notes;

Work Location Remote

Expected duration 4 Months with a starting date at the beginning of December 2021.

Duties and Responsibilities The United Nations Environment Programme (UN Environment) is the leading global environmental authority that sets the global environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) is an international agreement between states. Its aim is to ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival (www.cites.org). The CITES Secretariat is administered by UN Environment and is located at the Geneva duty station.

This assignment is part of the CITES Secretariat’s work under the Outreach and Projects Unit and will undertake tasks related to communications and publications of the Secretariat.

Under the overall supervision of Chief, Outreach and Projects Unit, the Communications consultant will:

1. Produce and quality-control communications and information products to create awareness relating to CITES and CITES-related events in close consultation with the Supervisor and the CITES Secretary-General;

2. In close cooperation with other Secretariat staff, provide talking points and briefing notes as requested;

3. Prepare messages for the CITES social media accounts and assist the CITES Secretary-General with relevant messaging to the general public and followers so that they are informed of developments;

4. Draft speeches for the CITES Secretary-General as requested;

5. Any other related tasks as may be required or assigned by the supervisor.

Qualifications/special skills - At least five years of relevant work experience in communications, journalism, public information or related area is required. - Experience with international organizations is an advantage. - Experience in preparation of presentations and briefing notes is desirable. - Accuracy and professionalism in document production and editing; - Excellent interpersonal skills; culturally and socially sensitive; ability to work inclusively and collaboratively with a range of partners, including grassroots community members, religious and youth organizations, and authorities at different levels; familiarity with tools and approaches of communications for development; - Ability to work and adapt professionally and effectively in a challenging environment; ability to work effectively in a multicultural team of international and national personnel; - Solid overall computer literacy, including proficiency in various MS Office applications (Excel, Word, etc.) and email/internet; familiarity with database management; and office technology equipment; - Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision; ability to work with tight deadlines; Have affinity with or interest in conservation and sustainable use of wildlife, and the UN System

Required education qualifications:

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in biological sciences, public information or journalism. A first-level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Required knowledge of languages: Fluency in spoken and written English is required; Working knowledge of French or Spanish is a strong advantage.

Additional Information Competencies:

Professionalism: demonstrated understanding of operations relevant to CITES Secretariat; technical capabilities or knowledge relevant or transferrable to CITES Secretariat procedures and rules; discretion, political sensitivity, diplomacy and tact to deal with clients; ability to apply good judgement; ability to liaise and coordinate with a range of different actors, especially in senior positions; where appropriate, high degree of autonomy, personal initiative and ability to take ownership; resourcefulness and willingness to accept wide responsibilities and ability to work independently under established procedures; ability to manage information objectively, accurately and confidentially; responsive and client-oriented;

Teamwork and respect for diversity: ability to operate effectively across organizational boundaries; excellent interpersonal skills; ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and harmonious working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, mixed-gender environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity; sensitivity and adaptability to culture, gender, religion, nationality and age; commitment to implementing the goal of gender equality by ensuring the equal participation and full involvement of women and men in all aspects of UN operations; ability to achieve common goals and provide guidance or training to colleagues;

Planning and organizing: effective organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to manage a large volume of work in an efficient and timely manner; ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor (own) work; ability to work under pressure, with conflicting deadlines, and to handle multiple concurrent projects/activities;

Communication: proven interpersonal skills; good spoken and written communication skills, including ability to prepare clear and concise reports; ability to conduct presentations, articulate options and positions concisely; ability to make and defend recommendations; ability to communicate and empathize with staff (including national staff), military personnel, volunteers, counterparts and local interlocutors coming from very diverse backgrounds; capacity to transfer information and knowledge to a wide range of different target groups;

No Fee THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.